U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. is a Democratic congressman representing New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, which covers portions of Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. A Newark, New Jersey native, he has served the people of the 10th Congressional District since 2012. Rep. Payne, Jr. is a tireless fighter for New Jersey families, working to create jobs and grow the economy, protect and invest in our children, and ensure the health and safety of our communities.
Investment in our nation’s aging transportation and infrastructure is not only important for public safety, but it is vital to creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and making America competitive in the 21st Century. Studies have shown that our economy grows by $5 for every $1 invested in infrastructure.
As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am responsible for overseeing all modes of transportation in the country, such as air, roads and rail. It is my duty to ensure that transportation across the nation is safe and efficient, such as air traffic at my district's Newark Liberty International Airport. I was proud to vote for the Moving Forward Act, which invests $1.5 trillion in the nation’s aging infrastructure. This investment includes billions for Gateway Program projects, which are projects along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and are the most critical infrastructure projects in the country.
As a member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, I have the duty of overseeing the nation’s public and private railroads to ensure they are safe and operate properly. During my time as a member of the Subcommittee, I have fought successfully for several local projects and initialtives. During the coronavirus public health crisis, I voted to provide $1.4 billion in emergency funding for New Jersey TRANSIT to help offset the significant decline in passengers. I supported $700 million for Northeast Corridor rail projects, which include Gateway projects such as replacing the aging Hudson River tunnel. Also, I helped secure federal approval to replace the Portal North Bridge, a separate Gateway project that will replace the 110-year old railroad bridge that carries passengers from New Jersey into New York and connects the entire East Coast. We need this new tunnel and bridge to keep rail transportation moving along the busiest rail corridor in the country.
Safe and reliable transportation is critical to northern New Jersey. The Tenth Congressional District contains Newark Liberty International Airport, Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, portions of Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, and sections of I-95. These modes of transportation are critical to moving passengers, cargo coming from across the world, and traffic to and from New York City. That is why I will continue to fight to get them the support and resources they need to operate effectively and efficiently for all Americans.